Insane pace-of-play policy, PGA Tour changes, and 7th Annual Halloween Costume ideas

This Wednesday episode begins with Andy and Brendan lamenting all the off-course rumors and maneuvering dominating the conversation yet again at what is the best week on the PGA Tour schedule. They discuss Will Bardwell’s piece on sportswashing, Kramer Hickock blurting out some specifics, or alleged specifics, of Saudi signees and schedule, and the notion that the players also want more of the major championship pies. The two also seem to come to an unfortunate conclusion that we’re headed for a successful Saudi enterprise that will get stronger over the years. Then it’s on to the schedule for the week, where Riviera and the actual golf get its due. They cover some featured groups, some featured holes, and convey their excitement for the week ahead. News closes with a rant on the preposterous context-free coverage of Bryson’s statement denouncing “false rumors” about his playing schedule.

15 Feb 202255min

After a wild and eventful weekend, this Monday episode naturally begins by discussing the worst, most nonsensical holidays on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. Then Brendan and Andy get to the Phoenix Open and Scottie Scheffler finally prevailing for a win over Patrick Cantlay in a playoff. The breakout weekend for Sahith Theegala is also put in perspective and appreciated. The 16th hole beer showers are reviewed, as is Brooks Koepka’s play over the final 36. Then it’s on to Charley Hoffman, the unprotected pro, penalized martyr, and useful idiot for players like Phil and Bryson trying to take the Saudi league money. There’s a full accounting, full of laughs, incredulity, and critique about the issues and contentions by small and large sprouting from Hoffman’s meandering Instagram rant.

14 Feb 20221h 5min

This Friday episode begins with some amusing anecdotes from the ground about the influencers overrunning the Phoenix Open this week. Brendan calls for a complete and total influencer rollback. News hits on Stacy Lewis getting the nod for Solheim Cup captain and the Indian Open being called off yet again, but Andy vows to not let DLF fall victim to cancel culture. Then they are joined by CBS’ lead producer for golf, Sellers Shy, who chats about the evolution of broadcasting in golf and his career in the industry, and more specifically about his work at CBS after taking over the lead chair last year. Thanks to Sellers for his time and indulging our questions.

11 Feb 202243min

This early recording previews the upcoming week at the golf influencer Super Bowl known as the Phoenix Open. Andy and Brendan discuss the strong field, strong finish, and some of the younger exemptions playing, notably Preston Summerhays. There’s an interlude on the superintendent’s championship that Andy watched up close, with some questions about credentials for entry. One and done picks zero in on someone sure to quench his thirst in the desert, and another tried-and-true standby, the Desert Fox. There’s a short discussion on Charles Howell III, who will make his 600th start this week. Which young players might go this long in the coming decades, if any? The DP World Tour event focuses on some amusing notables and the lack of a title sponsor, with some added intel from the locker room in Dubai a few weeks ago.

9 Feb 202240min

This Monday episode begins with some investigative reporting on Andy “stumbling into controversy” out on the West Coast. Then it’s on to the Pebble Beach Pro Am, where Tommy Tables was triumphant. There are a few theories thrown out about “fluke winners” of this event, and the Spieth contention that Tables is someone you do not want to face on Sunday because of how he plays craps. There’s ample Spieth discussion, with some scar tissue ponderings, reaction to the shot from the edge of the cliff, and the good fortune of getting him involved on an otherwise thin leaderboard. Then it’s off to Saudi Arabia, where they got their sportswash moment with a dramatic HV3 win. Brendan and Andy discuss the conflict around covering these events, how the PGA Tour may have overplayed its hand, and how they’re likely here to stay. Also covered is Bryson’s injury and the told-you-so takes that flowed in the wake of his WD.

7 Feb 202251min

It’s a punchy Friday episode with an extensive discussion on, what else, the latest rumblings from Saudi Arabia, the new home of golf. But first, there must be critical 18-hole updates on Pebble Beach, the DP World Tour, LPGA, and KFT. The Pebble chatter hits on Tommy Tables, some more cameras at MPCC, and some names at the bottom of the board. There’s also an equipment #scoop and some intel on Ryuji Imada as a follow-up to that discussion on Wednesday. After barely getting through an ad read for a new sponsor, Andy and Brendan then go long on l'affaire Saudi -- from Phil’s anger, the reported sums of cash for Bryson and others, and what in the hell this thing could look like if it gets off the ground.

4 Feb 202257min

This bubbly Wednesday episode begins with delight of a 2/2/22 recording. There’s ample talk about the Pebble Beach Pro Am, which is wounded but not dead. There’s a simple suggestion for improving Spyglass, and an amazing reader email on the winding path to Ryuji Imada getting in this field with just one start in an OWGR event in the past five years. There are two candidates for catnip call of the week, one of which focuses on an old friend of the program. Then they discuss the big Asian Tour event in Saudi Arabia, reacting to Greg Norman’s comments and the still dearth of details on an upcoming schedule. News focuses on Ian Poulter reportedly getting a big offer from the Saudis, and the common thread between both the people behind this effort and the players we’ve heard are interested so far. There’s also a fun story about home building at the site of a course just announced as a host venue for two USGA championships.

2 Feb 202247min

It’s an early and worse for the wear recording for Andy and Brendan, who begin with the Saturday night finish on the PGA Tour. They discuss the husky victor and his breakthrough win. Then they move to the incredible skill of Will Zalatoris, and the incredible thrill of watching him try to hit a putt on the center of the face. There’s also a victory lap on the Jason Day pick, and some final thoughts on the schedule change to Saturday. On the Euro Tour, they ponder the different points Hovland and Rory are at in their careers with different sets of expectations. Rory’s play into the 18th gets ample critique while Hovland’s current run gets ample praise.

30 Jan 202236min